Irish Christmas shoppers opting for basic, functional gifts this year

O'Connell Street at Christmas - the Christmas tree next to the GPO
Photo by: Google Images

Irish consumers are simplifying their Christmas celebrations this year and opting for functional gifts like socks, says an article in the Irish Times.

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) interviewed more than 300 companies by telephone and found that retailers are reporting modest purchasing habits that contradict Irish shoppers reputation as the biggest Christmas spenders in Europe.

Consumers also seem to be more focused this year, purchasing only what they came into the shop to buy and foregoing presents for themselves. They are also less likely to take up offers and promotions, like "three for two" deals," designed to increase average transaction values.